Welcome to the AC Tropical Fish aquarium forum. Our aquarium forum is the place to discuss any aquarium related issue in a friendly environment. Our aquarium forum welcomes aquarists of all levels from beginners to experts. Please ask a question in the how to section of our forum or read the FAQ section if you have any questions. register to and become a part of our friendly aquarium forum community today.

If you don't like the sound of a waterfall, then stay away from the Aquaclears. I find their waterfall a nice feature, as the sound of a waterfall is peaceful.

I have 2 AC110s on my 65-gallon, and being larger filters, they is a slight motor hum. I have an AC50 on my 20-gallon, and it's totally silent except for the waterfall.

If you get an AC110, yours might be completely quiet, motorwise. One never knows with them. I have found that the lids on mine are warped and don't seat properly unless I work with them for awhile. I find that a pain. That's probably not the case with all of them, however.

As for the function of filtering, Aquaclears can't be beat. They're great filters, overall.

I use the Aquaclears exclusively on my tanks. Aside from the small annoyances mentioned above, I'm very pleased with mine. When I get a third tank, I'll be using an AC on it, too.

If you don't like the sound of a waterfall, then stay away from the Aquaclears. I find their waterfall a nice feature, as the sound of a waterfall is peaceful.

-- mermaidwannabe

If you keep the tank filled all the way, there is no waterfall noise.

Liters to Gallons conversion calculator
"Keeping fish for any period of time doesn't make you experienced if you're doing it wrong. What does, is acknowledging those mistakes and learning from them." ~Aeonflame
"your argument is invalid." ~Mommy1

For larger tanks such as a 75g, I would go with a good canister filter or two, Eheim, Rena, and Fluval, are all good brands and canisters are very quiet. Take your pick and be sure to choose one for at least double the water volume of your tank.

If it's called tourist season why can't I shoot them?
Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes that reason is you are stupid and make bad decisions. I think my fish is adjusting well to the four gallon, He's laying on his side attempting to go to sleep on the bottom of the gravel.
A moderator on a fish forum should be able to identify an oscar... Don't you think?

Yes, that's true. The farther water has to fall, the louder it splashes. I personally don't mind, but if that is going to be a determining factor in whether or not you choose an Aquaclear, it needn't be so. Just keep the tank filled all the way, and you won't hear a waterfall.

On a 75 gallon, 2 fair size HOB's take up the whole back, and honestly could give you an adequate amount of filtration for about half price.

EDIT: You mentioned that you keep the tank full constantly, and it is possible to nearly completely eliminate waterfall noise in a 75g with an AC110. Just fill it up to the bottom lip of the filter output. A canister and an HOB is a very good, but very expensive option and isn't always within the average aquarist's reach financially.

Canister filters allow you to have the tank closer to the wall that hobs do.

Liters to Gallons conversion calculator
"Keeping fish for any period of time doesn't make you experienced if you're doing it wrong. What does, is acknowledging those mistakes and learning from them." ~Aeonflame
"your argument is invalid." ~Mommy1

Looking at all the filters options available it can get confusing for sure! Really it comes down to what your willing to spend to get what you need. Two aquaclear 70's would probably be the cheapest but if they might be too noisy for you depending where your tank is located. I myself prefer an HOB and a canister as you get the benefits of both systems.